SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES REPORTS

2014 has been a very challenging period but fulfilling too. GAMCOTRAP completed all the project activities impacting on a cross section of the population. A total of 3,742 participants were reached on messages and information on the harmful effects of FGM on the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girl-children. During this period communities in all projects intervention sites came to consensus that FGM is harmful and a violation of women and children’s rights. They collectively agreed at the end of each community sensitisation to call for a law against FGM. Our appreciation go to the Chiefs of all the regions who have taken leadership to support the campaign to end FGM in their various regions and while others are working with us to reach consensus. I also express sincere appreciation to all our donors who sponsored various projects to advance women’s rights in the Gambia. I wish to express our appreciation for the continued collaboration with the government of the Gambia to promote and protect the rights of women and girl-children. Special appreciation goes to the One Billion Rising Event which further galvanised all the efforts to call for attention to end VAW by supporting the organisation to accelerate and escalate the “The Rights Education”. The population has been receptive to our advocacy campaigns resulting in a consensus that FGM is harmful and a violation of the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women. Thus resulting to a common vision that a specific law should be in place to end FGM in the Gambia.

Direction for 2015

The direction for 2015 is to consolidate the gains and focus on accelerating the advocacy at community level targeting new regions namely North Bank Region and the Fonis in the West Coast Region to end FGM. Also, the organisation will engage in advocacy to promote the effective participation of women in politics and decision making. I appeal to the donors to leverage more funds to intensify our efforts to promote women’s rights in The Gambia.

During 2015, we hope to celebrate the 30 circumcisers and 107 communities in the Niamina West, Niamina East and Niamina Dankunku Districts of the Central River Region South of the Gambia. Similarly, GAMCOTRAP in support of the government efforts to end FGM, will continue the advocacy for a specific law to prohibit FGM and will continue to engage the National Assembly Members in the advocacy.